World No. 1 Iga Swiatek comes from behind to defeat Jule Niemeier, advancing to US Open quarterfinals
Mavericks head a young, talented Texas side in the final match of US Open’s first weekend of Women’s Clay court season
Noonan, Texas – Iga Swiatek was leading a game when she saw a ball leave the hand of Jule Niemeier. It landed in the middle pocket of an eagle-vaulting swing shot, and on the second bounce the ball found its way to the 12-footer for a near double. Swiatek saw the hole was close to the green. She saw it was a perfect shot to extend her lead on the last hole at the US Open.
A hole later, it was time for the second shot at the green. And a second look at the hole revealed that Swiatek’s shot was a bit deceptive. The ball just missed the hole, but hit the top of the green at the top of the cup that extended out into a two-tiered wedge hazard.
Swiatek finished the rest of the way with a birdie at the seventh and a three at the last to hold on for a 3-up lead and a place in the quarterfinals at the US Open.
The two-time major champion played in front of 3,200 fans and a national television audience. She was matched with Jule Niemeier, a former collegiate champion who turned pro with a tie for 11th at the PGA Tour money list in 2015, and had not played in a major since the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open.
“It was tough. We’re up 5-3 with two holes to play. It was a good chance for her to play well, but I had my chances to come through with three-putt shots. It was only a matter of time,’’ a frustrated Niemeier said. “It’s a different level than here.’’
Niemeier, who
